Controversial YouTube star Jake Paul has landed himself in a tight spot after claiming a specific judge has been fixing boxing matches, potentially costing him $100 million. While the YouTuber-turned-boxer is no stranger to making bold, unapologetic statements, it appears that he may have crossed a very expensive line this time.
Jake Paul, along with his older brother Logan Paul, have made a name for themselves making social media content using their outspoken personas. Seemingly pivoting more towards boxing in recent years, Jake Paul recently accepted a fight offer with KSI. The British YouTuber previously beat Jake's brother in 2018, with the Jake-KSI fight scheduled next year as winner-take-all, which may be money Jake Paul needs.
The "Problem Child" recently appeared in a now-deleted IFL TV interview, where he claimed boxing judge Glenn Feldman was being paid by company Matchroom Boxing to fix matches. "Clearly, this guy is getting paid money by Matchroom Boxing," Paul said regarding Feldman's scoring. The judge recently ruled in favor of Irish boxer Katie Taylor over Amanda Serrano, who is represented by Jake's MVP brand. The same judge had Anthony Joshua outscoring Oleksandr Usyk in their latest rematch, which also bothered Paul.
The claims of match-fixing are not being taken too kindly. Refuted by Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn, the Jake Paul accusations are being treated as defamatory lies, and are planning to sue the YouTuber for $100 million as a result. Matchroom lawyer Frank Salzano told TMZ Sports Paul "purposely crossed that line" when claiming that fights were being fixed. This isn't the first time that the social media star has landed in hot water for his actions related to boxing, as a controversial joke about fighting Vladimir Putin earlier this year was thought of as bad taste.
Despite his controversial persona, claims, and actions, Jake Paul has been charitable in his boxing career. After unanimously defeating UFC fighter Tyron Woodley earlier this year, Paul gave away $1 million in earnings from the fight. Winning an estimated $2.8 million, the YouTuber donated some of his winnings to the rest of the fighters on the event's fight card, save for Tommy Fury, who was slated as his next match at the time.
While a court case has yet to be officially filed by Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn's team is seeking a jury trial according to ESPN.
Source: ESPN